Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) — usually known for his calm and measured approach — delivered an uncharacteristically fiery speech on the Senate floor Wednesday, accusing Democrats of prolonging the federal government shutdown and using social programs as political bargaining chips.
Thune’s Rare Outburst Over SNAP Funding
Thune’s anger flared during a tense exchange over a Democratic proposal to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — the federal program providing food aid to low-income families.
Democrats, led by Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), pushed for a standalone bill to keep SNAP benefits flowing as the shutdown approached its 30th day.
Thune pushed back hard, noting that Republicans had already made multiple attempts to reopen the government.
“Let me just point out, if I might, that we are 29 days into a Democrat shutdown,” Thune said, his voice rising. “SNAP recipients shouldn’t go without food. People should be getting paid in this country. And we’ve tried to do that 13 times. You voted no 13 times.”
“You Finally Realize This Has Consequences”
As Democrats pressed for an immediate vote, Thune grew visibly frustrated, turning toward the Democratic side of the chamber.
“You all just figured out, 29 days in, that, oh, there might be some consequences? There are people who’ll run out of money?” he exclaimed, slapping the lectern for emphasis. “At some point, the government runs out of money. My aching back. You finally realize this thing has consequences.”
The outburst underscored growing frustration among Senate Republicans, who accuse Democrats of deliberately prolonging the shutdown to extract unrelated spending concessions — including expanded subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.
“This isn’t a political game,” Thune said. “These are real people’s lives that we’re talking about.”
Competing Proposals Emerge in the Senate
The stalemate has left millions of SNAP recipients at risk of losing benefits by the end of the month.
- Democrats, led by Luján, proposed a standalone bill focusing solely on SNAP.
- Republicans, led by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), countered with a broader package that would fund both SNAP and military pay.
Thune rejected both approaches, saying they distracted from the larger issue — reopening the full government.
“We don’t need one-off fixes,” Thune told reporters after his speech. “We need to pass a clean, bipartisan bill and get people back to work.”
Schumer and Democrats Demand Health Subsidy Extensions
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Democratic leaders have refused to back the Republican continuing resolution unless it includes a long-term extension of healthcare subsidies.
Republicans argue that Democrats are “holding the government hostage” to push through a partisan healthcare agenda.
President Donald Trump echoed that accusation earlier this week during a Rose Garden event, declaring:
“You can call it the Schumer shutdown or the Democrats’ shutdown. They’re doing the wrong thing, and the public knows it.”
Behind-the-Scenes Talks Show Some Progress
Despite the heated rhetoric, Thune acknowledged that bipartisan talks have “ticked up significantly.” He described discussions with key Democrats as “constructive” and hinted that he may soon join the negotiations personally.
“It will happen pretty soon,” he said when asked about his direct involvement.
Still, Thune admitted that his public eruption reflected mounting GOP impatience. Normally even-tempered, the South Dakota senator later apologized for the tone of his remarks.
“Sorry, I channeled a little bit of anger there,” he told reporters. “But it’s a high level of frustration. They realize this is a losing argument. They’re trying to buy time — and every day they delay makes things worse.”
Shutdown’s Growing Impact
The federal government shutdown, now nearing its fifth week, has left hundreds of thousands of workers furloughed and millions more without pay. Critical programs such as food assistance and housing aid are operating on borrowed funds, with deadlines fast approaching.
As the standoff deepens, both sides face mounting public pressure to strike a deal — but so far, neither appears ready to give ground.
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